This winter, Jolted Arts will transform into a vibrant cultural sanctuary as the JOLT African Sunset Residency presents an intimate series of live performances celebrating the richness, diversity and excellence of African music in Naarm.

Running from June to October 2026, the residency draws inspiration from the tradition of African sunset gatherings — moments where communities come together at the end of the day to share music, stories, rhythm and connection.

As winter settles across Melbourne and the nights grow longer, the series invites audiences into a warm communal space where culture and creativity come alive.

Curated around intimacy, storytelling and musical excellence, the residency will feature some of Naarm’s most compelling African and diasporic artists, spanning ancient traditions, contemporary interpretations and cross-cultural collaborations.

The program opens on 20 June with the Melbourne African Traditional Ensemble (MATE), a powerful collaboration bringing together the hypnotic sounds of the Kamalengoni, mbira, African percussion and Yidaki in a rare musical dialogue between Africa and Australia’s First Peoples traditions.

On 18 July, internationally acclaimed Kenyan artist Willis Chimano presents Heavy Is the Crown: A One Man Show— a courageous and deeply personal performance blending live music and storytelling.

Known globally as a member of Sauti Sol, Chimano takes audiences on an intimate journey through identity, resilience, healing and self-expression as a queer African artist. Raw, vulnerable and profoundly human, the work transforms silence into voice and pain into power.

The series continues on 8 August with the Grace Barbé Akoustik Duo featuring James Ross. Drawing from the rhythms and cultural heritage of the Seychelles, Grace Barbé’s music fuses Afro-Kreol traditions with reggae, psychedelic rock, afrobeat and groove-driven improvisation in a soulful and immersive performance.

On 19 September, VaRuRu Mbira Trio bring the shimmering resonance of the mbira into an intimate setting where cyclical melodies, percussion and vocals create a deeply meditative and uplifting sonic experience.

The residency culminates with two celebratory performances in October. On 3 October, The Mande Spirit present a vibrant exploration of classical Mandé music traditions from Mali, Guinea and The Gambia through kora, balafon and percussion led by master musicians Amadou Suso, Aboubacar Djelike Kouyate and Mohamed Camara.

Closing the series on 10 October, the newly formed Melbourne Africubismo Project explores the deep musical connections between Africa and Cuba in a celebration of rhythm, exchange and diasporic dialogue.

More than a concert series, the JOLT African Sunset Residency is envisioned as a winter gathering place — a space where audiences can experience the warmth of community through music, storytelling and cultural exchange.

Presented in an intimate setting, each performance invites audiences to move beyond passive listening and into a shared experience of rhythm, memory and connection.

PROGRAM

20 June

Melbourne African Traditional Ensemble (MATE)

Doors 7:00pm | $15/$20

18 July

Willis Chimano – Heavy Is the Crown: A One Man Show

Doors 7:00pm | Ticket price $15/$20

8 August

Grace Barbé Akoustik Duo featuring James Ross

Doors 7:00pm | $15/$20

19 September

VaRuRu Mbira Trio

Doors 7:00pm | $15/$20

3 October

The Mande Spirit

Doors 7:00pm | $15/$20

10 October

Melbourne Africubismo Project

Doors 7:00pm | Ticket price TBC

For media enquiries, interviews and promotional opportunities:

Stani Goma

stanigoma@gmail.com

0458 670 971

Contact the host of JOLT AFRICAN SUNSET RESIDENCY – Melbourne African Traditional Ensemble (MATE)